VOA Nets US$10.6 Million in Q1 of 2005

Immigration Official Hints More Countries Likely to Be Added to Visa-On-Arrival Eligibility List.

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(5/8/2005)

According to the Chief of Public Relations for the Director General of Tourism, Soepriatna Anwar, a total Rp.103.59 billion Rupiahs were collected through the visa-on-arrival process nation-wide during the first three months of 2005. The equivalent more than US$10.6 million dollars was collected from tourists who paid US$25 for a 30 day visa and US$10 for a 3 day visa at one of Indonesia's main gateways.

Anwar told the Indonesian-language Bisnis Indonesia that discussions are currently underway between various departments of the government considering which countries might be added to the those allowed to purchase a visa at their arrival sea or airport.

The Numbers

During the first three months of 2005:

• 153,629 tourists visited Indonesia after having first obtained a visa from an overseas Indonesian consulate of embassy.